Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Architectural Doors 53 x 8 x 41

53 x 8 x 41  (wxdxh cms)

they allow the tansu to be pulled towards the user

Original Painted Surface

24 x 24 x 16 (wxdxh cms)

This tansu is made in the traditional way and would have been crafted by two specialists

Painted Opera Chest From Shanxi - 19th Century Architectural Doors 53 x 8 x 41This old painted Chinese trunk is often referred to as an Opera Chest. This style of Chinese chest is found exclusively in Shanxi Province in Northern China and dates from the late 19th century. Opera chests, including this one, are constructed from paulownia wood (tong mu ) Paulownia trees were often planted at the birth of a daughter and were considered symbols of prosperity, fertility & marital bliss. Upon reaching maturity the tree would be